It seems that Microsoft is recognising value in giving Xboxers Twitter and Facebook functionality via Xbox Live as of next month (UK only so far). I think more gaming console manufacturers will follow suit as they realise it makes sense to keep gamers plugged in rather than have to leave the gaming interface so they can play with social network apps like these.

The result? Get ready to see terms like : noob, pwned, gank and GG start filling your Twitterstream…

Via Joystiq

The guys at Engadget got one of the world’s first hands-on experiences with Sony’s new PSP Go. From initial glances, it’s clear that Sony were after a more compact gaming beast with the controls now part of a slide-out component. By doing this they’ve given themselves the opportunity to increase and improve the screen which will be a welcome addition for PSP gamers.

Here are the Sony PSP Go Specifications:

According the I4U blog, we can expect to see the PSP Go released on 1st October, 2009.

Keen to hear what current PSP owners thing about the changes? Like it, hate it?

PSP Go first handon – Engadget

The question that most Nintendo DS owners is “Is worth upgrading to the new Nintendo DSi?”

In the Youtube video review below, the guys from GameOn seem to think not.

Their reasoning is based on their opinion that the new enhancements on the Nintendo DSi are not big enough to warrant an upgrade.

What are the improvements to the new Nintendo DSi?

Check out the Nintendo DSi feature list below:

Some features that will be built into the system and ready to enjoy upon purchase include the Nintendo DSi Camera, Nintendo DSi Sound and Nintendo DSi Shop. The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system is its two cameras – one camera is on the external body, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open. As the first truly interactive digital camera in a video game system with 10 different interactive “lenses” that can manipulate your photos, the Nintendo DSi Camera offers an easy way to take and share your photos with family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to interact with their games while giving developers a new tool to devise creative games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras give Nintendo DSi the sense of sight.

Another enhanced feature is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The mic is located between the two screens when the device is flipped open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.

In the world of software, Nintendo DSi will be the platform for the most relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications. The Nintendo DSiWare application will populate Nintendo DSi with software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo’s Wii console. Developers big and small are invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be available at a range of values, starting at 200 points.

What are your thoughts? Will you upgrade?

YouTube – Review of the Nintendo DSi

Last month, MSI proudly unveiled its latest N295GTX and 285GTX graphic card series; the MSI N295GTX-M2D1792 is an SLI capable design with optimized dual-GPUs-in-one-card.

Super Fast, Super Powerful

The monster MSI N295GTX series consists of two latest 55nm GeForce™ GTX 200 GPUs with a 480 stream processing core and 896-bit memory bandwidth, providing averagely 50% performance enhancement over GeForce™ GTX 280 in a real game benchmark. MSI N295GTX and N285GTX graphic card series are exclusively bundled with the game “Rainbow Six Vegas 2”, which scored an 8.2 on the well known gaming website www.ign.com.

continue reading "Beast of the Week: MSI Nvidia N295GTX-M2D1792 Graphics Card"

Don’t get me wrong, I love Razer gaming mice but I personally wouldn’t upgrade my corded Razer Copperhead for a wireless mouse. I get a bad taste in my mouth when I see the words “wireless mouse” and “gaming” in the same sentence. Even though the times were few, I recall losing epic battles or letting the team down when batteries died. Not to mention possible lag and disturbance from other wireless device.

Having said that, if you want more freedom to frag, can be bothered keeping an eye on your battery levels and don’t have a microwave sitting on your desk the new Razer Mamba.

Features of the Razer Mamba:
• Detachable seven-foot, lightweight, braided cord
• Battery life & DPI stage indicator
• Ultra-large non-slip Hyperesponse™ buttons
• Ergonomic design
• Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon feet
Specifications:
• Gaming Grade Wireless Technology
• Dual Mode Wired/Wireless Functionality
• Razer Synapse™ On-board Memory
• 5600DPI Razer Precision™ 3.5G Laser sensor
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response rate
• Up to 200 inches per second*/ 50g acceleration
• Approximate size: 128mm x 70mm x 42.5mm
• Battery Life: 14hrs (continuous gaming); 72hrs (normal gaming usage)
*Depends on surface used

Via SlashGear

Last week I blogged about the Logitech G13 Gamepad which is a fairly new entrant in the field of gamepads. One company that has been doing it successfully for a couple of years now is Belkin. With the Belkin N52TE (Tournament Edition) they actually teamed up with another famous gaming-gear company called Razer. I love Razer. I actually have two Razer Copperhead mice – one for home (green) and the other for the office (blue).

Back to the Belkin N52TE, in short, this is one of the best gamepads on the market. Here’s some reasons why:

Belkin N52TE Features

• Adjustable soft-touch wrist pad for maximum comfort and endurance
• Easily toggle between 3 keymap states
• Programmable 8-way thumb pad with removable joystick
• Nonslip rubber pads grip in place for aggressive fragging
• 15 fully programmable keys built for complete customization and speed
• Enhanced tactile feedback and button responsiveness for rapid key presses
• Backlit keypad and scroll wheel for total control in dark conditions

continue reading "Belkin N52TE (N52 Tournament Edition) Gamepad in action"

I’ll admit it. I think the Logitech G13 Advanced Keyboard is the bees-knees.

Just take a look at these Logitech G13 photos and you’ll see why:

See what I mean?

Via Logitech

Even though Legend of Zelda fans will appreciate this more than most, the fact that this kid does it all by himself is amazing!

Enjoy.

YouTube

The new Nintendo DSi launched in Japan over the weekend with impressive sales of over 170,000 units.

Despite the positive launch, some Nintendo fans wonder why Nintendo even bothered with the upgrade – 53% surveyed at PocketLint said it was a waste of time.

Here’s a Nintendo DSi Video. You be the judge:

continue reading "New Nintendo DSi Launched in Japan"

According to several sources straight from Japan, Nintendo is planning to release a new version of the Nintendo DS later this 2008. It will improve on the current console’s features and add a few key functions to it as well.

continue reading "Nintendo Will Release Upgraded DS Later This Year"